Lack Of Firepower

The Under 18s fell to narrow defeat when they met Liverpool at Compton Park at the weekend, with the Merseysiders grabbing the only goal of the game in the first half.

Coach Mick Halsall was clearly frustrated with the performance of his front men who rarely threatened the Liverpool goal.

He said: “This was another game that we should have taken something from although we did not create much in front of goal.

“With both sides looking toothless it always looked likely that there would only be one goal in it which it proved to be the case. Unfortunately it went Liverpool’s way after a poor decision by one of our players that was punished with a good finish.

“We passed the ball well at times and we did create a very good chance for Ibrahim Keita (pictured) who should have scored after rounding the keeper. But he hit the post with his shot when he should have took more care and shown more composure in his finish.

“That chance and Liverpool’s goal were the only real opportunities in the first half with both sides finding it difficult to create anything in open play although little half chances fell to both teams off set plays.

“I thought we dominated the second half as we played on the front foot and made it difficult for Liverpool to play out of defence. Having said that we did not have any period when we were knocking on their door and looking as if we could get back to level pegging.

“At times we played balls into their box but the attacking players did not look as if they really wanted to get in on the end of things – they weren’t aggressive in their attacking play.

“This is a big factor for us as a team at the moment as no one up front looks as if they can produce something from nothing – there is no cutting edge to our play.”